School Days: CursiveLogic

All right everyone, quickly grab a sharpened pencil and your favorite markers or crayons, because today, we're reviewing the CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack and The Art of Cursive , brought to us by CursiveLogic .
Rumor has it that many schools have given up the teaching of penmanship and handwriting, touting it as old fashioned, and unnecessary. Computer skills and keyboarding have taken over. And while I understand the need to make sure that our kids can navigate modern technology, there is great value in teaching them cursive writing, for many reasons. It not only hones those fine motor skills, it's also important for brain development, language skills, critical thinking. Taking it to a more personal level, a person's handwriting style is so unique. Do you remember receiving a card in the mail from your grandmother, aunt, or other close friend or relative? Wasn't there something comforting about seeing that familiar script? The special way in which they looped an '"L", or an "O"? I get tears in my eyes when I come across notes from loved ones that are no longer here, and yet here I have a precious memory written with their own hand. Yes, it's a big deal! As our family began our homeschooling journey over a decade ago, it was a given that handwriting would be a natural part of the curriculum. So let's begin!

I remember sitting in my second grade classroom, looking up at the long strip of store bought, handwriting examples that bordered the upper walls above the chalkboard. We were learning the art of cursive, and it felt so important. We worked on a letter at a time, carefully looping and tracing.
CursiveLogic is bringing the art of handwriting into the modern age. Rather than introducing it as I learned, one letter at a time, blocks of similar letters are practiced together. The alphabet is grouped in to 4 blocks of letters. Each block is assigned a different color, a different attribute common to that specific block, and then a "catch phrase" as they call it, to say out loud as they first trace, and then eventually write themselves. This multisensory approach engages in a way that increases the time it takes to learn. Also, for the younger ages, it's fun!

We began this program with a webinar. The video demonstrated the proper techniques in student positioning, posture, and writing tools - which types of pens and pencils to use, and why. All of the techniques are presented. I found it all very helpful. All of that information is also included in the student workbook, so there was no need to fear that I would forget anything.

The student workbook is designed in a way that I think is excellent for kids. It is a spiral bound book, with the spiral at the top, so there is never a time when little wrists have to rest on a bumpy surface, which might throw off proper positioning. The other benefit is not having to deal with the crease of a book from a typical workbook. It stays flat!
This handwriting program has done all the work for you. Lessons are easily laid out for each day, so students work at their own pace. Each block of letters starts out with the introduction to the characteristics of that set, practicing the catch phrase, and then connecting the letters. In the first week of this program, your child will be handwriting small words. It really is amazing. When you come to the end of the workbook, guess what? It flips over, and you begin work on the other side, working on the capital letters, and reviewing previous work.
It's been my 12 year old who has been using this book, which may sound surprising, because, hey, isn't it about 2nd grade that we teach cursive? Why use this with an older student? Well, because it's great practice! Handwriting can sometimes use a refresher, or simply improvement. Being older, she was able to work through the book at a faster pace. She happens to already have very nice penmanship, but she told me that she has enjoyed this because it's been therapeutic and relaxing for her.

Orange Oval letters

Working on the second half of the workbook

Now I have one more resource to share with you from CursiveLogic . They also provided us with a lovely coloring book that incorporates all of the techniques learned in the workbook. It does offer the tips from the original program, but is not a curriculum itself. Adults can benefit from the basic reminders and practice though. Whether this is used by an adult or a child, it's a great way to keep up with your handwriting, and relax at the same time. But what's so special about a coloring book?, you might ask. There is no shortage of adult coloring books. True, but the cool and creative feature of The Art of Cursive is that the illustrations to be colored are the loops and letters learned in the first workbook. ( A little alliteration for your reading pleasure) There are longer quotes to practice writing, and lovely, swirly pictures to color. My daughter spent many afternoons with her colored pencils and this book. I'm a little jealous actually, and I think I'll be getting a book for myself 😏

My girl's favorite coloring page

My daughter colored this, but this is my favorite quote in the coloring book

My daughter and I have enjoyed this program, and I recommend it to those just beginning the handwriting journey, or to anyone simply desiring a refresher course. The coloring book could be a sweet little gift for various occasions as well.

And now, a special treat for you. CursiveLogic is offering a 20% discount on the Quick-Start Pack which includes the webinar and workbook. Click the image below, and use the code CREW2018
This offer is good until the end of March 2018.